Inductive Argument Examples

Inductive argument, or inductive reasoning, is a type of logical thought pattern that moves from the specific to the general. This is the opposite of deductive reasoning, which begins with a general statement and moves to a specific conclusion.

Example of Inductive Reasoning

Joe wore a blue shirt yesterday. Joe's shirt today is blue. Joe will wear a blue shirt tomorrow as well.

Notice how the inductive argument begins with something specific that you have observed. It moves to a drawing a more general conclusion based on what you have observed in a specific instance (or in this case, on two specific days). Just because you can draw a conclusion using inductive argument, it doesn't mean that the conclusion is true or valid. Joe might wear a green shirt tomorrow-or a shirt in any color he wants.

Examples of Inductive Argument

1. The first three Skittles that I dumped out of the bag were purple. All of the Skittles in this bag must be purple.
2. Mrs. Crown has given a quiz on the first two Fridays of the school year. She will probably give a quiz every Friday.
3. Sara went to the library, and then Ann went. Sara went to sharpen her pencil, and then Ann went. Ann is copying Sara today.
4. My mom packed a red apple in my lunch on Monday. She packed an orange on Tuesday, she packed a red apple on Wednesday. Today is Thursday, and I think she will pack an orange.
5. My sister likes cats. Jeff's sister likes cats. Marks's sister likes cats. All girls must like cats.
6. Every morning at the beach, it has rained. I think it will rain again this morning.
7. The sun always comes up and shines in the windows on the back of our house. The sun always sets and shines in the windows on the front of our house. I think the sun will shine through the windows on the front of the house when it sets tonight.